Hamare Jyotirdhar Acharya

This Jain text, "Hamare Jyotirdhar Acharya" (Our Guiding Acharyas) by Pratapmuni, is part of a larger work, possibly an Abhinandan Granth (felicitation volume) dedicated to Munidway (two monks). The provided excerpt focuses on the lineage of Jain Acharyas, particularly those associated with the "Kota Sampradaya" and its subsequent branches.

The text begins by referencing the 27 guiding Acharyas who followed Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, highlighting Devanandi Gani Kshama Shraman's pivotal role in transcribing the Jain Agamas in 180 years after Mahavir's Nirvana. It then mentions the expansion of monastic orders, specifically the "Lok Gachh" in 1531 Vikram Samvat, and lists eight successive Acharyas within its tradition: Bhanji Rishi, Bhadda Rishi, Luna Rishi, Bhima Rishi, Jagmal Rishi, Sakha Rishi, Rupji Rishi, and Jivaji Rishi.

The narrative then shifts to significant figures like Shri Jivrajji M. and Harji Muni, who are noted for their "krioddhar" (revival of practices). It details that in 1666 Vikram Samvat, six disciples of Yati Tejpalji and Kanwarpalji in Pipad, Marwar, initiated this revival. Among them, Jivrajji, Girdharilalji, and Harji's discipleship lineages progressed.

The text then elaborates on the lineage starting from Acharya Shri Daulatramji M., tracing a significant part of the Kota Sampradaya.

Key Acharyas and their details mentioned in the text:

• Acharya Shri Daulatramji M.:

  • Born in 1701 VS (Kalapeepal village).
  • Initiated in 1814 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Acharya Shri Mayaramji M.
  • Passed away in 1860 VS (Uniara village).
  • Born in Kalapeepal village in the Vagerwal caste.
  • His spiritual teachings and efforts led to the acceptance of Jain principles by around three hundred households from various communities, including Saravagi, Maheshwari, Agarwal, Porwal, Vagerwal, and Oswal.
  • He significantly influenced areas like Bundi and Bara.
  • During a visit to Delhi, he was impressed by a disciple named Dalpatsinghji's knowledge of the Agamas.
  • He also visited Limdi (Gujarat) where he met Munishri Jethmalji M. (author of "Samkit Saar"), leading to a spiritually significant confluence.
  • He accepted Sallekhana (voluntary fasting unto death) seven days before his demise, after being forewarned by a dream received by Dalpatsinghji.

• Acharya Shri Lalchandji Maharaj:

  • Born in Antadi (Antrada) in the 18th century.
  • Initiation Guru: Acharya Shri Daulatramji M.
  • Passed away in the last years of the 18th century.
  • Born in Antadi village, Bundi state, belonging to the Soni caste.
  • His skill in painting led to his renunciation after witnessing flies die due to his unfinished painting.
  • He became a disciple of Acharya Shri Daulatramji M.
  • Under his leadership, the Kota Sampradaya saw 27 scholars and a total of 275 monks and nuns.

• Yugacharya Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj:

  • Born in Tota (Jaipur) in the 18th century.
  • Initiated in 1876 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Acharya Shri Lalchandji M.
  • Passed away in 1917 VS (Javad city).
  • Born in Tonda village, Jaipur state, of the Omwal clan.
  • His lectures were simple, direct, and filled with renunciation.
  • He undertook significant austerities, including 21 years of fasting on alternate days, using only one blanket, chanting "Namotthunam" 200 times daily, and renouncing sweets.
  • He is credited with miracles like curing a leprosy patient and the breaking of handcuffs.
  • His influence was such that his followers were known as "the sect of Pujya Shri Hukumchand Ji M. Sa."
  • He passed away in Javad city after 38 years and 5 months of monastic life.

• Acharya Shri Shivalalji Maharaj Sahib:

  • Born in Dhamaniya (Neemuch) in the 18th century.
  • Initiated in 1861 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Acharya Shri Lalchandji M.
  • Passed away in 1933 VS (Rawar village).
  • Born in Dhamaniya village, Malwa region.
  • He was well-versed in scriptures, a diligent student, and deeply devoted to his practices.
  • Skilled in logic and grammar, he also composed devotional verses.
  • His sermons were philosophically profound and delivered in simple language.
  • He practiced continuous alternate-day fasting for 36 years.

• Pujya Shri Udaysagarji Maharaj:

  • Born in Jodhpur in 1876 VS.
  • Initiated in 1868 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Muni Shri Harshchandji M.
  • Passed away in 1954 VS (Ratlam).
  • Born in Jodhpur to Seth Shri Nathmalji and Shrimati Jivabai.
  • He renounced worldly life and decided to embrace asceticism due to certain circumstances.
  • He was known for his sharp intellect and quickly gained proficiency in lectures and studies.
  • He primarily toured Malwa and Rajasthan, but his influence spread far and wide.
  • His powerful speeches inspired many to renounce meat, alcohol, and animal sacrifice.
  • He declared Acharya Shri Chauthmalji M. Sa. as his successor.

• Pujya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj:

  • Born in Pali (Marwar, Rajasthan).
  • Initiated in 1909 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Acharya Shri Shivalalji M.
  • Passed away in 1957 VS (Ratlam).
  • He was a wealthy Oswal from Pali.
  • He was rich in knowledge, perception, and virtuous conduct, and a diligent ascetic.
  • He led the sect for about three years and a few months.

• Aagamodadhi Acharya Shri Mannalalji M. Sa.:

  • Born in Ratlam in 1926 VS.
  • Initiated in 1938 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Shri Ratanchandji M. (of Lod).
  • Passed away in 1960 VS (Beawar).
  • Inspired by Pujya Shri Udaysagarji M. Sa., his father Seth Amarchandji and he embraced renunciation.
  • He had an exceptionally pure intellect and could memorize about fifty verses or shlokas daily.
  • He was cherished for his humility, discipline, and experience.
  • He was honored with the title of Acharya in 1975 VS.
  • He toured extensively in Malwa, Rajasthan, and Punjab, fostering religious progress.
  • He passed away in Beawar due to illness after completing his monsoon stay.

• Aadarsh Tyagi Acharya Shri Khubchandji M. Sa.:

  • Born in Nimbhaheda (Rajasthan) in 1930 VS.
  • Initiated in 1952 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Vadimardan Shri Nandlalji M.
  • Passed away in 2002 VS (Beawar).
  • Born to Shri Tekchandji and Gendibai in Nimbhaheda.
  • Married at a young age, he later embraced monasticism in 1952 VS under Shri Nandlalji M. Sa. in Udaipur.
  • He was praised for his humility and adherence to Vinaya (respectful conduct).
  • His life was filled with renunciation and detachment.
  • His lectures were filled with devotion and his singing was melodious.
  • He was proficient in painting and calligraphy, and his writings and bhajans are still preserved.
  • He was appointed Acharya in 1960 VS in Mandsaur.
  • His leadership brought progress and discipline to the community.
  • He passed away in Beawar.

• Acharya Shri Sahasramalji Maharaj Sahib:

  • Born in Tatgadh (Mewar) in 1952 VS.
  • Initiated in 1974 VS.
  • Initiation Guru: Shri Devilalji M.
  • Passed away in 2015 VS (Rupnagar).
  • He initially joined the Terapanth sect but left due to their differing interpretations on compassion and charity, finding them contrary to universal religious principles.
  • He then joined the Sthanakvasi sect in Delhi, where his doubts were clarified by Munishri Devilalji M. and Muni Shri Kesharimalji M.
  • He was known for his sharp intellect, vast knowledge, and devotional poetry.
  • His lectures were captivating and philosophically profound.
  • He was appointed Acharya in 2006 VS at Nathdwara and later served as the Secretary of the Shraman Sangh.

In essence, "Hamare Jyotirdhar Acharya" provides a historical account of prominent Jain Acharyas, detailing their birth, initiation, gurus, significant contributions to the faith, their travels, and their passing. It emphasizes their asceticism, intellectual prowess, spiritual guidance, and the impact they had on spreading Jain teachings and fostering spiritual growth within the community. The text highlights a lineage of spiritual leaders who dedicated their lives to the principles of Jainism.